Massive search continues for missing Malibu woman

Massive search continues for missing Malibu woman

A massive search effort for Mitrice Richardson continued over the weekend on the ground and in the air. Search teams with rescue dogs and on horse back combed the rugged terrain near Malibu. "We are searching about a 60 to 80 square mile area and we're searching basically from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff station onward to Malibu itself." That Malibu sheriff's station is the last place Richardson was seen and where her parents are laying the blame for her disappearance. "There was nothing protecting her when they allowed her to walk out that door based on policy and procedure," said her mother. Richardson was arrested after she reportedly refused to pay an $89 bill at an exclusive Malibu restaurant. Management says that Richardson looked sober but described her behavior as unusual. Police found a small amount of marijuana in her car and took her into custody. Richardson was booked, then released at about 1:30 am. After making a few phone calls, the 24-year-old, who her mother says was afraid of the dark and lacked street savvy, left the station with no car, no purse or even a cell phone. The sheriff's department says they couldn't force her to stay. **VIEW THE ORIGINAL REPORT OF MITRICE'S DISAPPEARANCE** Meanwhile, Richardson's parents continue to hold out hope through their frustration. "It is hard to put into words what I feel as a mother. I can tell you with absolute certainty that it feels like I have stepped into a nightmare," Richardson's mother said.